Your trusted source for local Federal Way, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
A federal judge has sentenced the owner of LadyBug Espresso, a bikini barista chain in Washington, to prison for tax evasion after failing to report $6 million in revenue. This case highlights the importance of tax compliance and its implications for local employment and the economy.
Federal Way's decision to hire a consulting firm for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs has led to controversy, culminating in the resignation of the Diversity Commission chair due to allegations of discrimination in the selection process.
The Federal Way Police Department has received $150,000 for a gun buyback and safe giveaway program, funded by a lawsuit against Federal Way Discount Guns for illegal sales of high-capacity magazines. This initiative, part of a broader $2 million allocation from the Washington State Attorney General's office, aims to enhance public safety and reduce gun violence in the community.
Jerome Lewis has been arrested as the second suspect in the April 2024 shooting death of a 2-year-old in the Federal Way IHOP parking lot. He faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder, with DNA evidence linking him to the crime scene. This tragic incident raises serious concerns about gun violence and public safety in the area.
A Federal Way man, Francisco Ivan Garcia-Barragan, has been charged with vehicular homicide and two counts of vehicular assault following a fatal crash that killed his passenger, Birsan Cruz-Ramirez. Evidence suggests he was driving under the influence and fled the scene, leading to further injuries for occupants of another vehicle. He is currently held on a $75,000 bail.
The article discusses the competition between the NBA and NFL for Christmas Day viewership, highlighting the significance of both leagues. It also covers local sports developments, including Andre Jordan Jr.'s transfer to UCLA and the Todd Beamer wrestling team's first dual win of the season against Decatur, showcasing the local sports scene during the holidays.
Mayor Jim Ferrell and the Federal Way City Council presented over $19,000 in checks to local organizations, including the Senior Center and Multi-Service Center, to support their food bank initiatives during the holiday season. The article also highlights community events such as the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and a mattress recycling event, reflecting the city's commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
The City of Federal Way is initiating an environmental project to restore salmon-friendly streams by replacing a culvert on Redondo Creek. The city council's recent ordinance facilitates land acquisition for this project, which is part of a state initiative to remove barriers to salmon migration, supporting local salmon populations and addressing public safety concerns related to undersized culverts.
King County is set to build a new Regional Animal Services Shelter to replace the outdated Kent facility, which is over 50 years old. A budget of $19.8 million has been approved for the project, with plans for the new shelter to be located in the south end of King County, likely in Kent Valley. The timeline for the project is still being determined as officials search for a suitable property.
Michael Leemoui, a Federal Way man, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the 2021 shooting death of 17-year-old Antonio Garcia-Fonseca at a Renton marijuana dispensary. Leemoui, who was a security officer at the time, was initially charged with second-degree murder but faced a hung jury trial. The state recommends a sentence of 114 months, along with restitution and a lifetime no-contact order with the victim's family.